Description
Simple Salt Beef is a classic, hearty dish featuring tender, salt-cured beef brisket or silverside slowly cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal ingredients and fuss, making it ideal for sandwiches, main courses, or salads. Perfect for busy days or novice cooks, it offers versatility and a customizable spice level to suit any taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Brine Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 kg Beef Brisket or Silverside (well-marbled cut)
- 1 cup Coarse Salt
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Pickling Spices (mustard seeds, coriander, bay leaves, peppercorns)
- 3 liters Water
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and crushed)
- 1 large Onion (peeled and halved)
- Additional pickling spices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: Combine water, coarse salt, sugar, and pickling spices in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Remove from heat and allow the brine to cool completely before proceeding.
- Cure the Beef: Fully submerge the beef brisket or silverside in the cooled brine. Cover and refrigerate for 5 to 7 days, turning the meat occasionally to ensure even curing and seasoning penetration.
- Rinse and Simmer: After curing, thoroughly rinse the beef to remove excess salt. Place the beef in a large pot with fresh water, garlic, onion, and any extra pickling spices if desired. Bring to a low simmer and cook gently for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and can be shredded easily.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the beef from the cooking liquid and let it rest uncovered for at least 15 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your Simple Salt Beef immediately or allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to three months.
Notes
- Choose well-marbled cuts like brisket or silverside for optimal moisture and tenderness.
- Allow the full curing time (5-7 days) for authentic flavor and texture.
- Simmer gently to avoid toughening the meat; avoid boiling.
- Use fresh pickling spices for the best flavor profile.
- Save the cooking liquid as broth for soups or stews to minimize waste and add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding curing time)
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British/Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 150 g
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: salt beef, cured beef, brisket recipe, simple salt beef, homemade salt beef, hearty beef recipe
